Zanzibar: Challenges facing interdenominational marriages

Islam is most prominent religion in Zanzibar.

Estimates indicate that about 98% of the population is Muslim but this has not prevented love from flourishing between some Christians and Muslims.

One such couple is Stephania Benedicto a Catholic who is married to Yahya Khatib Ali, a Muslim.

The two have chosen to rise above religious differences and are living together harmoniously.

According to the couple, they face many challenges and people do not understand why the chose to get married.

“Some people do not understand and ask why did you do that?” said Stephania.

The opposition they face also comes from some of the religious leaders who arguably say that inter faith marriages do not offer the best environment for raising families.

Inter religious tensions have erupted in the Island in the past and perhaps marriages between Christians and Muslims can go a long way to enhance peace and unity.

AFP